1. Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

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Whitney Mercilus was truly dominant this year for Illinois, racking up 16 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, which led the FBS. Those are the numbers that pop out to teams when they make their first-round pick.

The Seahawks sit at 11 or 12 with a need at defensive end and linebacker, and Mercilus looks like one of, if not the most, qualified to fill those holes.

He has been praised by many to be similar to Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants sack machine, yet others have said he does not have the athletic ability to play like Pierre-Paul.

He will have the combine to prove that he can contribute on the next level.

There's no question that Mercilus can get to the quarterback. He is a high-motor player, and he will play to the fullest, regardless of injury or obstacle. He put in such a tremendous effort in 2011, even after losing part of a finger, that the Seahawks could pull the trigger on this Big Ten phenom.

Overall, there will be many options, such as Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram, the Seahawks will have to chose from. If he can prove that he is a special player at the combine, he could very well be Seattle's first selection in the draft this April.

Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Who knew that Melvin Ingram would be the star defensive lineman for the Gamecocks this year? Devin Taylor started the season as the star, but Ingram soon took control of the defense.

Ingram is very powerful, determined and hard-working. He's also big enough to play a 4-3 defensive end, even though he doesn't have the intangibles in terms of reach and height. This style plays perfectly into Seattle's base 4-3 defense that they commonly use.

He's been mocked as high as 12 by experts as the Seahawks selection, because he's the complete package. His unbelievable year in South Carolina has shown he will be a dependable prospect in the NFL, but he'll need to continue his excellence in the combine.

Seattle scouts have to have no questions about a Ingram's abilities because of his lack of size. They'll want to see him play at an elite level if they are going to spend a top pick on him.

3. Nick Perry, OLB, USC

Nick Perry has an uncanny ability to get the quarterback resulting from an array of pass-rush moves and running back speed (current 40 time is 4.34).

This former USC star will be able to come in and contribute immediately in a Seattle team that is in search of linebacker depth.

He is going to have to show an ability to determine when to use his skills in-game. He easily breaks through the line against slow offensive linemen, but has a tough time against tackles that can move laterally.

Seattle may have a tough time picking Perry at 12 because of his lack of experience at USC, but they have the option to attempt to trade down with the Jets or Bengals. If they can get that deal done, picking Perry could be a very smart move in the 15-25 range, due to his tremendous upside.

6. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

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The Seahawks will likely look to fill their biggest need—quarterback—this year in the second round. Pete Carroll and John Schneider will probably stick with Tarvaris Jackson this year and have a young QB learn under him.

Although they may have figured out their strategy for finding the quarterback of the future, they still need to find the player that fits the system—and has the NFL skills.

Nick Foles will have to impress if he wants the Seahawks to choose him over Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, who proved his worth at the Senior Bowl.

In 2011, as a senior, Nick Foles and had his best statistical season despite a losing campaign, completing 69.1 percent of his passes, and throwing for 4,334 yards, 28 TDs, 14 INTs.

He earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors for the third consecutive season, behind Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley for first and second teams.

He is just one of several options, along with Brock Osweiler, Ryan Tannehill and Kirk Cousins, that the Seahawks are eying, and this combine could either disappoint the Seahawks—or make him stand out.